One of the best-known summer pests, mosquitoes breed in stagnant water or soft soil. There are about 170 different kinds of mosquito species in North America alone.

Mosquitoes are vectors of numerous diseases including malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, encephalitis and West Nile virus - a disease that has become a serious concern in the U.S. in recent years. Signs of West Nile virus include common flu-like symptoms. In extreme cases, symptoms include high fever, head and body aches, worsening weakness, confusion and even coma. Practicing mosquito management when outdoors can help reduce the risk of disease from bites.

Other mosquito facts...

1. Depending upon the species, mosquitoes fly at 1 to 1.5 mph.

2. Mosquitoes can imbibe anywhere from 0.001 to 0.01 milliliter of blood per meal.

3. Both male and female mosquitoes feed upon plant nectars.

4. Mosquitoes have been found in fossils from the Cretaceous Period (about 100 million years ago) in North America.

5. Mosquitoes have been found breeding up to 14,000 feet in the Himalayas and 2,000 feet underground in mines in India.

6. West Virginia has the fewest known species (24) of mosquitoes, while Texas has the most known species (82).

7. Carbon dioxide is a mosquito attractant, drawing them from up to 114 feet.

8. People drinking beer have been shown to be more attractive to mosquitoes.